Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Old style toilet flush valves

Timco
Timco Member Posts: 3,040
Installed a Standard Moderno 1927 toilet in my basement. Used a new spud and flush valve / plunger.



It constantly allows the tank to drain. It's not the threaded connection to the overflow tube.



Does it need more water in the tank to hold the plunger down tighter? I don't want to use pool & spa lube with new parts. I've only got the tank filling half way or a bit more.



Happy fathers day!



Tim
Just a guy running some pipes.

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    edited June 2013
    Either

    the flush valve seat is misshapen, or the flush ball (plunger) is a bad fit. Or you might have the guide arm out of alignment- it should be centered over the seat.



    Some of those brass flush valves had cup-shaped seats. If yours does, a non-rounded flush ball won't work well. Try using one that's made for the Eljer tank with china seat.



    I've never seen a Moderno, though the Modernus that came out in the 1930s was quite popular. Can you post a pic?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Double check

    Double check that one-inch diameter refill tube.  I've seen them corrode and leak above the threads.



    More commonly, it's the tank ball not fitting the flush valve properly.
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • Timco
    Timco Member Posts: 3,040
    Pics

    I'll take pics later. Great toilet. Long days. I covered all the basics but did not consider the plunger shape. The flush valve is new so no corrosion possibility.



    Thanks for the advise!



    Tim
    Just a guy running some pipes.
  • Timco
    Timco Member Posts: 3,040
    Pics!!

    Well, I broke my left pinky toe. Man what pain.



    Back to the toilet. Tried round and straighter wall balls but round leaks slower. Tried pool & spa grease and that helped, but wrong road.



    Tim
    Just a guy running some pipes.
  • RobG
    RobG Member Posts: 1,850
    Toilet problem

    Could the toilet be siphoning? The fill tube should be cut and clipped to overflow.

    Rob

     
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    Agreed

    that after-fill tube is probably siphoning.



    Crane had a similar design that hid the flush ell, I think they called it the Neu-Way. Is the inside-bowl design of yours the same as the Ejecto or the Modernus?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Good call, Rob

    I think you nailed it on that refill supply hose shoved down the refill tube.



    Timco? 
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • Timco
    Timco Member Posts: 3,040
    Siphon!!

    Yes. Ashamed to admit, that's what we had!! Not a single recharge since I snipped the tube. The funniest thing is I went down there and heard it drip. I figured it had recharged and was just letting a few drops out. Then I pulled that tube out from the overflow tube and looked in there but could not see any signs of leaking at all. With the tube out, no leaking. Then stuck tube back in and hour later, recharge.



    Thanks! Heard the email because I am subscribed. This toe thing and a bruised heel opposite foot has made me hopelessly behind.



    I don't shop on Sundays so a brick or 3 tomorrow!! We really appreciate the advise. Love that toilet. I've had it for years. I'll take an inside pic later. No idea what the others look like. We love the Deco look of this. Classic!



    Tim
    Just a guy running some pipes.
  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    Syphonage:

    If you buy a Fluidmaster #400 Pro or equal, they come with a clip that keeps the overflow tube below the after drip tube. With a tank that has a Syphonage protected ballcock, it will syphon if the tank is full and the water is overflowing. That's what that clip/device is for.
  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    Overflows:

    The overflow is too high. It needs to be cut down. That fluidmaster ballcock that you installed isn't using the clip to keep the overflow tube above the flood level rim of the overflow tube.

    That guide arm may not be perfect for the bulb stem. They have adjustable ones. It may keep the flush bulb cocked and off center
This discussion has been closed.